Agulhas National Park

On the edge of the world

Open access park
 
+27(0)28 435 6078
Cape Peninsula
www.sanparks.org
agulhasinfo@sanparks.org
SANParks
South African National Parks

On the edge of the world

Cape Agulhas: of storms, long summers and tangible history

We’re driving south; as far south as you can go on the African continent. Wild flowers lead us like yellow breadcrumbs to the gates of the Agulhas National Park.

I feel like we’re on the edge of the world; the jagged coast reminds me of an old map, the kind where world just ends at the horizon, and there are sea monsters waiting below for falling ships. As if to prove this point, we drive past a shipwreck rusting into the sea.

We’re spending the night at the Agulhas Rest Camp, don’t be thrown by the name; it’s practically four-star accommodation. The wooden A-frame chalets have thatch roofs, and inside is immaculate. Our home for the night has two bedrooms, each with en suite bathrooms (tiled and beautiful), and the white beds are big and soft, there’s even a flatscreen TV with DSTV.

But, my eyes are on the view: The boiling blue sea stretches so far it fades into the sky. The chalets have been designed to look natural, so they really are at ease with the surroundings. We’re flanked on all sides with herbaceous fynbos, and we can hear birds within the dense foliage.

Settled, and hungry, we head to the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse for lunch. Dating back to 1848, it was the second one to be built in South Africa. Today it’s a national monument, and inside you’ll find a lighthouse museum as well as a restaurant. And, for a small fee you can climb right up the lighthouse.

But first, we eat. The small restaurant has rustic charm; wooden tables are soft-to-touch from salty air, and bric-a-brac is everywhere: like someone’s home. (From here you can also buy Cape Agulhas Honey Bush Tea.)

Next we explore: we go see where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet; we examine immaculate shells on a beach that looks like a movie set (so perfect); we drive; we play. The chalet is self-catering so before it gets too late we head to the shops in L’Agulhas to buy supper.

The next morning, waking up to the white noise of the sea, we spy shiny flanks of whales in the ocean. The weather for our trip has been sunny, but I’m keen to come back in winter to also experience a true Cape storm.

Things to do

  • Drink wine along the Elim wine route: the southernmost wine-growing area of South Africa. They make stellar maritime sauvignon blancs
  • Grab your binoculars and head to the wetlands to see diverse and rare birdlife such as the African Black Oystercatcher.
  • Look out for Southern Right whales in spring and early summer.
  • Diving and scuba diving. Pop in at the tourism office by the lighthouse for more information on these activities.
  • Fishing, there’s plenty of angling to be done off the rocks.
  • Relax and braai
  • Hike, there are some fantastic scenic routes: go in spring for a wild flower show like no other.
  • Run, the Foot of Africa Marathon is held here every year in October.

Where to stay

Agulhas Rest Camp – Chalets (by the sea)
We stayed here, and didn’t want to leave. This camp is located just over 10 kilometres from the lighthouse. There are four, two-bed; and four, four-bed self-catering chalets to choose from: so you can bring the extended family too.
Wow factor: the views and the nature

Agulhas Rest Camp - Lagoon House (by the sea)
One word, wow. This location is sublime; flanked by a blue lagoon on the side and a pristine beach on the other. The historic Cape Dutch house has an appropriate white facade, inside there are four bedrooms; of which two have separate external entrances and en-suite bathrooms. There is also a kitchen and living area in the house.
Wow factor: the blue lagoon will enchant you.

Rhenosterkop Guest Cottages (inland)
Want to stay on one of the oldest farms in the Strandveld? Established in 1742, the name originates from the skull of a Black Rhino which was found in the area. The farmstead has four cottages, some dating back to the 18th century. 
Wow factor: The tangible history and the nearby Elim wine route.

Bergplaas Guest House (inland)
Close to Struisbaai, so bring those surfboardsand your surf buddies. The guest house has five bedrooms and four of those have en suite bathrooms. Great for family gatherings, or get-togethers with friends.
Wow factor: The size of this old farm house and the view of the plains from the veranda.

Tip: For holiday reading get yourself a copy of Driftwood by South African author Dalene Matthee. This moving tale is set in the Strandveld, and mentions actual beaches and homesteads of the national park.

By Malu Lambert

Check out our Facebook album of the park and follow us on Twitter to keep up-to-date with what's happening in our pretty city. Plus, subscribe to our weekly newsletter for a seven day weather forecast.

Cape Town Events Calendar
June 2023
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30

Bombay BrasserieSumptuous Indian set menu for two

10 unique dishes (and MCC) at Bombay Brasserie

mischu breakfast specialWeekends are for mischu

Where else do you get brunch for under R100 in Sea Point?

Cape Town Meadery mead tastingHave you ever tasted mead?

Taste beer, gin and more made from mead (until June)

Rose's Table pop up dining experienceIntimate fine dining in an art gallery

A long-table experience with food, music, wine and art

Vooma Zip Zap CircusElectrifying circus show for the whole ...

Trapeze, acrobatics, juggling + comedy for all

Excentric Hair camera diagnosisHow healthy is your hair, really?

How to get a free diagnosis + R100 off your first visit

Cannibisters weed barCape Town’s very own cannabis club, ...

It's like your friend’s living room, just with 85 strains of weed

Woodstock Brewery beer tastingLocal craft beer tasting even ...

Nine craft beers, small-batch Thursdays + a guide for beginners

PPC Riebeek Bergmarathon8 reasons to run these races in a lush ...

Do a marathon, fun run with the fam and explore small towns

Taj Whiskey LoungeIntroducing the Whiskey Lounge

Tastings from around the world, guided by an ambassador

Char'd Grill meat appreciation platterMeat appreciation platter at a ...

3 cuts of meat, sizzling side dishes + epic mad-scientist experience

Mountain MarketAffordable healthy food at this city ...

Organic fruit and veg, smoothie bowls + small-scale clothes

Char'd Grill tasting traysSpirit tastings and unique cuts at this ...

Bring out your inner mad scientist: experiment with unique spirits + meat cuts

Pear Tree cocktailsHolistic food + drink at this healthy ...

Sit under the trees and enjoy kombucha cocktails, vegan dishes + a sea view

Pear Tree HermanusUnconventional vegan dishes at this ...

From tofu tostadas and kombucha cocktails to MasterChef-level desserts

Milk on the Beach5 reasons to visit this beach-side ...

Never-ending summer of waffles, hotdogs, cocktails...

Waffle Shack by Milk on the BeachOur team’s top picks at the Waffle ...

Beach-side eatery is perfect for kids, adults and dogs alike

Picnic in the parkPicnic in the Parks, fun workshops for ...

Book a picnic basket, get it delivered to the park + do interactive workshops

Distiller's UnionMake your unique brand of gin

At Distiller’s Union you get to also pick the flavour, colour + drink craft beer

Bar KeeperBar Keeper is open on Sundays till ...

Order 1 bottle to many cases online or in store, get it delivered same day, cold

Sweet River Brewery ingredientsBook out this distillery for your next ...

Make your own at Distillers Union + get craft beer and pizza

The Purple WindmillWeekend market that has it all

Craft beer, kids playpark, aqua golf, target shooting, donkeys and more

Black Elephant Vintners music and wine pairingEver imagined a rock ‘n roll ...

Silent disco, wine barrel tables + rock star murals at Black Elephant Vintners

Blue Train ParkKids Party Idea: Take a ride on the ...

BOOK Now and let the outdoor adventure begin!

Breathwork Africa foundation3+ ways to get your breath back and ...

Classes, courses, retreats on conscious breathing run by the trainers leading the global ...

StrollaGet Irie On The Sunset Deck At Strolla ...

Weekend sunsets at Strolla mean live DJs and reggae (Rivertones)

Honeybee Heroes Be a beekeeper for a day at Honeybee ...

Adopt a hive, learn about bees, take a beekeeping course, buy honey

Klein Roosboom tasting caveTaste wine in a cave

Boutique winery with 6 six cosy tasting nooks. Plus platters, picnics + trails

GiveawaysTravel Tips